It’s hard not to have a soft spot for the wingtip boot. Casual but slightly elevated at the same time, they’re in a way like a gourmet hamburger. The details far and away exceed the expectations usually had (for the burger, or in this case, a boot) and in the end everybody wins.

The only real drawback to the Gaffney is the sole. It’s a lug (obviously) and a little too pronounced to dress way up. Best with dark denim and cords, these will see a lot of use once autumn begins. Until then, daytime use will probably weigh you down. Even if you go with the brand new grey or blue suede option. It’s the sole…. man.

Sure they’re made in China, but the exterior leather feels surprisingly soft without any hint of that plasticky feel you get with cheap shoes made from bad leather. They’re incredibly flexible and the leather linings are comfortable on the first wear. The boot almost feels like it molds to your foot when you lace them up.

They seem to fit true to size and while they only come in a D width, if you’re an almost wide-foot, there’s some room up through the toe box. That also means they won’t be as slim as some would like.

These things are pretty. Italian made, wearable-pieces-of-art pretty? No. But it’s tough to take your eyes off them. It’ll also be tough to keep your feet out of them come fall..

Comments

I stumbled upon this site a few days ago and it is excellent. I am seriously considering buying a black pair of these exclusively for work, I work as a Sheriff’s Deputy in a jail and I think these are an excellent styled alternative to ugly tactical duty boots. They seem like the perfect mix of dress meets duty to me. My question is do they seem durable enough for this type of use?

I stumbled upon this site a few days ago and it is excellent. I am seriously considering buying a black pair of these exclusively for work, I work as a Sheriff’s Deputy in a jail and I think these are an excellent styled alternative to ugly tactical duty boots. They seem like the perfect mix of dress meets duty to me. My question is do they seem durable enough for this type of use?

I ordered the Gaffney last fall, but unfortunately, it’s only available in D, and I have wide ass hobbit feet. Florsheim will be releasing another wingtip boot this fall called the Hawley and it will be available in 3E. I am not particularly excited about the leather finishes on the Hawley, but I’m judging from a single preview picture. I found the preview on Alex Grant’s blog a few months ago, and confirmed the Hawley release with Florsheim shortly after. Supposedly being released in late July or August. The Haviland LW in the same picture also looks pretty nice. Pretty sure it’s just a Veblen on a rubber sole, and I love my Veblens (wearing them today).

Thanks for the kind words about the site. Glad you like it. As far as the durability goes… my instinct is to say no. I think it could go either way on this. The leather, as surprisingly soft and nice as it is, doesn’t feel like it’ll easily brush off the serious scuffs to the toe/sides/upper that your line of work probably produces.

I hate to do this since they’re so much more expensive, but have you considered splurging on a pair of Wolverine 1000 mile boots? (They have an all black option) Check out the Addison: http://www.wolverine.com/us/1000mile/#/1000%20MILE/Addison A huge investment, but they won’t let you down. No lug sole though. The Florsheim’s do ship free, but you are on the hook for return shipping charges though if they don’t work out. Might be worth the risk…

Thanks again for checking out the site, and also, for the work that you do.

Howdy Ben. The gun. The hand. Where am I going? But I’ll take Joe over Sue any day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rleFAS_B04&feature=related Anyway, I agree with Albert. I think wool trousers would work. More like tweed wool, and less like worsted wool suit pants. Chinos can work, but better if they’re darker and thicker. More beat up.

Hey I am seriously considering buying these boots but I have no idea of what color I should choose. I already have a pair of brown boots and was trying to decide on the black, grey suede, or navy pair. I’m going to wear them mainly in a casual setting so that is why I’m stuck…

I work in a similar environment and bought the Montgomery 1000 mile boots. Rubber sole, durable, and look great. They are also 100 dollars cheaper than the Addison. Though good looking, they aren’t a wingtip, but still…

Just got my black Gaffneys in the other day and I can’t wait for the weather to cool off so I can sport them with jeans. They are really sharp, and as Joe mentioned, the leather IS surprisingly soft. It’s going to be a tough call to decide between Earthkeepers or the Gaffney on boot-wearing day.

Hey, I am new to this site (awesome from what I have seen so far), can you post a picture of how these work with jeans / long pants? I am a huge sneaker head but decided its time to add more classic pieces to my shoe closet. As such, don’t really know much about how to wear something like these. Also, I saw red suede shoes on the site from a while ago, any tips there? Seem down my alley, but don’t want to be the bozo for lack of a better word that incorrectly wears them.

I own a couple pair of these and love them all. I agree with robbo about lugs soles being for the country. The first pair I picked up was from an estate sale in town, they were used but still rugged, so I used them for field boots, Utah desert paleontology no lie. I paid $10 for them and did not realize how good a deal I got until I did a little internet researching. Plus you see all these old photos of scientist working in the field, preparing fossils, etc all in suits, mostly 3 piece, it is great to have an awesome looking boot that holds up. I never would have tried that had I not gotten a second hand pair first, and I don’t punish the suede as hard, but I live in the country, but work at university in town, the great thing about the lugs is that I can wear them with my grey suit and still ride my bike. (The motor variety, not just the Schwinn, I still love the looks from people) I get comments from all walks, from the folks on the farm to my boss the Dean. I think the gourmet hamburger analogy works perfectly. They also pair well with my darkwash jeans. So far these guys have taken everything I have dished out and still look great, they are my go-to boots for just about anything. I think the best thing that I have ever heard about these was one of the students in my office caught me while removing parking lot gravel from the sole and exclaimed “Whoa, I have never seen anyone pick ricks out of the sole of a dress shoe, that’s awesome.” Besides, being a little anachronistic (sartanachrinistic?) adds a bit of flair. Regards everyone. Love the blog as well.

Just had a cobbler type remove the tread (just wore it off and / or cut it off) on my mostly unworn gaffney’s and then install a thin rubber replacement tread. Like something you would put over a leather sole to get more traction. Very low profile, completely change the look of the shoe. Cost $45.